When fourth grade classroom teacher McKinley Broome attended a morning assembly at Woodholme Elementary School, he had no idea that he was the guest of honor and that he would walk away with a $25,000 cash award. Surprised before students, faculty, staff, and elected officials at the Baltimore County public school, he graciously accepted the National Milken Award from the Milken Family Foundation and Maryland State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Nancy S. Grasmick.

Broome, an educator for six years, is free to use the cash prize in any manner he chooses. He will receive the actual monetary award, in addition to an all-expense paid trip to Los Angeles, California, to participate in the Milken Educator Forum held in the spring, which focuses on implementing solutions to America’s pressing challenges in education.

"It is wonderful that this exemplary educator is one of 55 new teachers across the country to receive a Milken Educator Award," said Dr. Grasmick. "I am extremely impressed by McKinley Broome’s long range instructional leadership and efforts. His visible dedication and enthusiasm for teaching Maryland’s young – from providing professional development to his fellow colleagues to playing an intricate role in the elevation of MSA scores – are paramount to the undeniable success of Woodholme Elementary School’s students. Mr. Broome continues to demonstrate his commitment to education through innovative instructional practices that increase student achievement, and leadership in mathematics and reading education."

Hailed as the "Oscars of Teaching" by Teacher Magazine, the Milken Educator Awards recognize the importance of outstanding educators and encourages talented young people to enter teaching. The largest teacher recognition program in the U.S., the Milken Educator Awards, provides public recognition and an unrestricted financial award of $25,000 to elementary and secondary school teachers, principals, and specialists, who are furthering excellence in education.

"McKinley Broome epitomizes the term "role model" because students connect with him on all levels. His charismatic personality helps him to effectively interact not only to students, but to parents and teachers as well," said Maralee Clark, Principal of Woodholme Elementary School. "His natural ability to inspire his students to love learning and go above and beyond expectations, as well as his innate ability to encourage colleagues to implement new strategies, set him apart from other educators. McKinley’s educational accomplishments which stem beyond the classroom, like fostering positive relationships with his students and incredible rapport with their parents, demonstrate his dedication to help them succeed in many facets."